This is a kind of seasonless cocktail. It can certainly qualify as a summer drink; the tequila and lime combination feels beachy and sunny. But the pleasant heat from the jalapenos has a winterizing effect; it will warm you during these rainy, snowy, grey months while you pine for sunshine and heat. This cocktail is highly effective all year round. It will fortify your spirits and remind you that winter can't actually last forever.

The tequila sour is based on the whisky sour, but with tequila and lime in place of whisky and lemon. It's easy to double or triple for and you set it out in the pitcher for self serves cocktails if you like.

jalapeno simple syrup:

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 jalapeno, thinly sliced

Combine all ingredients in a small pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the syrup is quite spicy when you taste it (let it cool well before tasting!). Keep in mind that the other cocktail ingredients will mute the heat; I try to make the syrup a bit hotter than I want the drink to be.

Let cool.

hot tequila sour:

6 ounces tequila

3/4 cup fresh lime juice

4 ounces jalapeno syrup

1/2 cup water

thin lime and jalapeno slices to garnish

Combine tequila, lime juice, syrup and water in a pitcher with ice and stir to combine. Adjust to taste, adding more lime juice or syrup if needed.

Divide between four glasses and garnish with lime and japapeno slices. Share with some friends who need a beachy, balmy, spicy boost!